Top left: Ranch house | Middle right: Split-level house
Bottom left: Traditional house (two story)

Modern style house plans and architecture

Modern house plans are the most frequently built homes in the United States, at least since the mid 1940's. Modern architecture actually covers several variations of design that span even to this day. These subtypes include traditional house plans, ranch house plans, split-level house plans, contemporary house plans, and shed house plans. Ofcourse most homeowners, who are not that well versed in architecture, often ask for a traditional house plan but describe and incorporate just about any and all types of house plan features from a range of architectural styles.

Traditional house plans: This style of housing was loosely conceived from the likes of the tudor house plan style architecture. They share the dominate front gable and massive chimney but is scaled back in intracate detailing and with a lower roof pitch. This was a dominate house plan style in the 1940's and early 1950's.

Ranch house plans: By the mid 1950's, the ranch house plan style begin to take shape across the American landscape. In fact, it is still a popular style in use today. They are typically defined by being of one story with very low pitched roofs and moderate to wide overhangs, rectangular in shape with or without offsets, small porches, and basic detailing to include window shutters.

Split-level house plans: Popular in the 1950's and through out the 1990's. The split level house plans are recognized by the garage being on the sublevel (or basement level) and the main floor is that of a ranch plan. The front door is often place at the midpoint of the floors creating a landing between the basement and main floors.

Contemporary house plans: Architect-designed homes of the 1950's, 60's, and early 70's with subtypes that include the flat roof design and low pitched gabled roof with wide overhangs. The design generally depart from the likes of the traditional form and style. The gabled style often show influencing factors from the craftsman house plan and prairie house plan styles with the use of large overhangs, exposed roof beams, wood, brick, and stone veneers. Exposed supporting beams are also common in contemproary house plans. One story designs are the usual, but two story designs are common as well.

Shed house plans: This is the latest of all the modern house plan styles showing up in the late 1960's. This is another type of design that is frequently used by architects. Like The contemporary style, Shed house plans defy traditional detailing and style. It is identified by the use of one or more shed roofs with moderate or high pitched slants. These roofs shed in two or more directions as if triangles are mixed and form together. This style is asymmetrical by design and replaces ornate detailing in favor of clean lines. exterior finishes are usuall clad siding but often includes brick veneer.

Modern house plans, Shed home design.